According to a recent study by transportation analytics firm INRIX, Dallas was the 17th most congested city in the United States in 2023. This ranking reflects an increase in traffic congestion in the city, where the average driver lost 38 hours due to traffic delays, up from 32 hours in 2022. This congestion cost drivers an estimated $658 in wasted time.
The study, which compared traffic patterns in hundreds of cities, revealed a 12% increase in traffic in Dallas compared to pre-COVID levels. Notably, the midday rush has become a new normal, with a 23% increase in trips during midday hours nationwide. Despite the population growth, Dallas' congestion ranking remained relatively stable, indicating that while the volume of traffic increased, the city's infrastructure managed to keep pace to some extent.
One of the most congested corridors in the Dallas area is the eastbound stretch of Highway 80 from Interstate 635 to FM 538 in Forney, which the study identified as the 11th worst in the country. The study suggests that solutions such as adjusting traffic signal timing and better managing access roads and tollways could help alleviate some of the congestion.
"Our congestion is less than that of other metropolitan areas of our similar size and other smaller metropolitan areas,” Don Lehner from the North Central Texas Council of Governments told CBS News Texas “As a large metropolitan area, as the fourth largest metro, we are succeeding overall."
The INRIX 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard, which provides a comprehensive analysis of traffic patterns in over 900 cities worldwide, underscores the broader implications of traffic congestion. The report highlights the economic cost of congestion, including lost time, increased fuel consumption and the negative impact on freight movement and the environment.
Moreover, the study emphasized the need for improved urban mobility strategies, particularly in light of changing commuting patterns post-pandemic. With the rise of telecommuting and hybrid work schedules, downtown areas have seen fluctuating traffic volumes, further complicating traffic management efforts.
In response to these challenges, cities increasingly turn to micromobility options such as bicycles, scooters and electric-assist bicycles. According to the study, these modes of transportation reduce car trips and offer first- and last-mile access to transit, requiring cities to manage curbs and roadways differently.
Top 25 Most Congested Cities In The United States
1. New York City NY
2. Chicago IL
3. Los Angeles CA
4. Boston MA
5. Miami FL
6. Philadelphia PA
7. Washington DC
8. Houston TX
9. Atlanta GA
10. Seattle WA
11. San Juan PR
12. Nashville TN
13. San Francisco CA
14. Baltimore MD
15. Pittsburgh PA
16. Charlotte NC
17. Dallas TX
18. Honolulu HI
19. Portland OR
20. Stamford CT
21. Austin TX
22. Denver CO
23. King of Prussia PA
24. New Orleans LA
25. San Antonio TX
To read the complete study and learn about its methodology, click here.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
